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The Association of Microplastics in Peripheral Blood and Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study
Scott A Helgeson1, Hossny Alaws1, Mohamed I Ibrahim1
1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
Abstract:
Microplastics may pose health risks, particularly for chronic lung diseases. Clarifying the link between circulating microplastics and pulmonary disease is vital for shaping research and interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether microplastics in peripheral blood are associated with COPD or IPF vs. no lung disease. In this pilot prospective case-control study, participants were grouped as control (n = 10), COPD (n = 9), or IPF (n = 10). Relevant comorbidities and exposures were obtained from records and questionnaires. All underwent standardized blood collection (PlasticTox©). Samples were analyzed for total microplastic concentration, stratified by size (<10 µm, 10-30 µm, 30-70 µm). The primary outcome was to show a difference in total microplastic burden between lung disease and controls. Secondary measures were to determine size-specific concentrations and associations with demographic variables and smoking history. Among 29 participants (median age 70 (IQR 64-80); 14 women (48.3%)), COPD/IPF groups had significantly higher total microplastic concentrations vs. controls (median 26.0 vs. 3.5 particles/100 µL; p < 0.01). Particle burdens <10 µm and 10-30 µm were particularly elevated (both p < 0.01). After adjusting for smoking, only the <10 µm fraction remained independently associated with lung disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.94 (95% CI, 1.23-7.04)). In this pilot exploratory study, individuals with COPD or IPF showed greater circulating microplastic levels than controls. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, and larger analytically validated studies are needed to clarify directionality, causal mechanisms, contamination control, and the clinical relevance of circulating microplastic burden.
Insights
Circulating microplastics are significantly higher in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) compared to healthy controls. Smaller microplastic particles (<10 µm) showed a strong association with these lung diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics are emerging environmental contaminants with potential health implications.
- Chronic lung diseases, such as COPD and IPF, represent a significant global health burden.
- Understanding the link between microplastic exposure and pulmonary health is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating microplastic concentrations and the presence of COPD or IPF.
- To compare microplastic levels in patients with lung disease versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A pilot prospective case-control study involving 29 participants (10 controls, 9 COPD, 10 IPF).
- Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed for total microplastic concentration, stratified by size (<10 µm, 10-30 µm, 30-70 µm).
- Data on comorbidities and exposures were collected via records and questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Participants with COPD or IPF exhibited significantly higher total microplastic concentrations in their blood compared to controls (26.0 vs. 3.5 particles/100 µL).
- Elevated levels of smaller microplastic particles (<10 µm and 10-30 µm) were observed in the lung disease groups.
- After adjusting for smoking history, microplastic particles <10 µm remained independently associated with lung disease (aOR 1.94).
Conclusions:
- This pilot study suggests a potential association between higher circulating microplastic levels and chronic lung diseases like COPD and IPF.
- The findings indicate that smaller microplastic particles may be particularly relevant in this association.
- Larger, analytically validated studies are required to confirm these results, explore causal mechanisms, and determine clinical relevance.
